MSU Handball Teams Continue Dominance with National Championships
ST. LOUIS – While the Winter Olympic Games unfolded in Milan, Italy, the Minnesota State University (MSU) men’s and women’s handball teams were achieving their own victories at the 2026 U.S. Handball Association’s collegiate handball tournament in St. Louis, Missouri, from February 18-22. The Mavericks swept both the men’s and women’s team categories, as well as the combined title, with several individual players also receiving honors.
A Family Atmosphere in Mankato
Handball is offered as a sport club through Campus Recreation at MSU, fostering a close-knit community among its players. The program has cultivated an almost familial atmosphere, attracting students like Mark Doyle and Izzy Klicker.
National Tournament Results
The Maverick men’s team secured their fifth consecutive national title with a score of 2,313 points, surpassing Texas A&M’s 2,144 points. The women’s team claimed their third consecutive national championship, scoring 2,249 points to Missouri State’s 2,228 points.
Minnesota State University also dominated the combined title, totaling 4,562 points, well ahead of Missouri State’s 4,344 points. The combined score is determined by the top six players in each gender.
Individual Achievements and Competitive Format
Players at the national tournament compete based on their rankings, which can range from 1-160 for men and 1-80 for women. The tournament involves preliminary rounds followed by individual brackets to determine individual national champions. Players can compete in up to ten matches, including singles and doubles, over the course of the tournament.
International Roots and Team Support
Mark Doyle, a construction management senior originally from Wexford, Ireland, won his second open singles title and a doubles title with Bryan Trejo. He was drawn to MSU due to the university’s strong handball program, continuing a family tradition in the sport. “My dad would have played, and his dad and his uncle…they all would have played,” Doyle said.
Izzy Klicker, a junior applied science major, found a supportive community at MSU after being encouraged to attempt handball at her local YMCA. She emphasized the importance of the team, stating, “It’s kind of like a family away from my family at home, which makes it easier.”
Community Outreach and Impact
The MSU handball team extends its impact beyond the court through community outreach programs. Weekly Handball 2 University sessions with Mankato Youth Place introduce the sport to young people, providing them with opportunities and building confidence. Erin Simmons, MY Place executive director, noted that these sessions help young people envision themselves as college students.
Growth and Future of the Program
Coach Mike Wells, who started the handball program in 2008, expressed surprise at the program’s success. The team moved to the top division by 2010-2011 and has consistently produced nationally ranked players. The program’s community work also has a positive impact, as highlighted by Simmons’ story of a young participant receiving a “player of the week” award and proudly wearing his medal.
The U.S. National Handball Center
The 2026 tournament was held at the U.S. National Handball Center in St. Louis, a facility dedicated to elevating the sport of handball. The U.S. National Handball Center is currently undergoing development to become a state-of-the-art facility for handball enthusiasts. The center will also host the 2026 USHA Master Singles in conjunction with the Missouri State Singles from April 17-19. More information on the USHA Master Singles can be found here.